Halloween vs. Nevada Day

The last day of October is a double holiday in our state: not only Halloween, but Nevada Day, a celebration of the day 150 years ago that we were (probably reluctantly) admitted to the Union. But October 31 has shaken out a bit differently this year. For one, since it falls on a Friday, we’re actually celebrating Nevada Day on the 31st (rather than observing it on a surrounding date that best makes for a three-day weekend). But Las Vegas is also hosting its first Nevada Day Parade—meaning Downtown will be home to not one, but two, festive processions in less than 12 hours.

Halloween Parade

Nevada Day Parade

To honor a holiday that used to be for kids to eat candy and is now mostly for adults to wear unattractive “sexy” costumes. And get drunk.

REASON

To honor the 150th anniversary of Nevada getting invited past the velvet ropes and into Club United States.

Fremont Street between 13th and Seventh streets—less than half a mile. Ten minutes in, there will probably be more people waiting at the beginning and end than actually parading.

ROUTE

Fourth Street between Gass and Ogden avenues—about two-thirds of a mile. Far enough to give the sedentary a workout, but not so far that floats will be denuded of crepe paper by the finish line.

7 p.m. Plenty of time to front-load cocktails while making final adjustments to your Sexy Lobster ensemble or muscle-padded Captain America costume.

TIME

10 a.m. Wait, you thought you got to sleep in today? Uh, no. Wake up and celebrate your state’s heritage … or are you the type who pronounces it “Nev-ah-duh”?

Zombies, showgirls, robots, drag queens (professional and amateur), couples dressed as Franzia wine in a box, toddlers in Elvis jumpsuits—basically anyone who can stand upright and smear on some Dia de los Muertos makeup by 6:59 p.m.

Get to know the Life Is Beautiful acts. Learn about Downtown's new kaleidoscopic murals. Find tips on how to navigate schedule conflicts. And see what's on the mouthwatering menu. Here is Vegas Seven's guide to tasting, seeing and hearing all the festival has to offer, from the first afternoon set to the final headliner.